Observations placeholder

The Lotus sutra – translated by Burton Watson

In the past there was a Buddha
named Awesome Sound King,
of immeasurable supernatural powers and wisdom,
leading and guiding one and all.

Heavenly and human beings, dragons, spirits
joined in offering him alms.

After this Buddha had entered extinction,
when his Law was about to expire,
there was a bodhisattva
named Never Disparaging.

The four kinds of believers at that time
scrutinized and adhered to the Law.

The bodhisattva Never Disparaging
would go to where they were
and speak to them, saying,
"I would never disparage you,
for you are practicing the way
and all of you will become Buddhas !"

When the people heard this,
they gibed at him, cursed and reviled him,
but the bodhisattva Never Disparaging
bore all this with patience.

When his offenses had been wiped out
and his life was drawing to a close,
he was able to hear this sutra
and his six faculties were purified.

Because of his transcendental powers
his life span was extended,
and for the sake of others
he preached this sutra far and wide.

The many persons who adhered to the Law
all received teaching and conversion
from this bodhisattva,
who caused them to dwell in the Buddha way.